May 05

FileMaker released Bento for iPhone

FileMaker has released Bento for iPhone on Tuesday, an application based on its Mac personal database.

Bento for iPhone does not require a desktop component, unlike some iPhone applications with a desktop counterpart. It is fully functional as a standalone app on the iPhone, allowing users to do all of the tasks you would expect from a personal database application. In fact, John Sigler, vice president of Product Management at FileMaker, explained to Macworld that all of the information created by Bento for iPhone is stored locally on the device.

However, among other advantages of having Bento on your computer is syncing. Bento for iPhone will sync wirelessly to the one installed on your desktop, allowing your information to be kept up-to-date.

Bento 2.0v4 for Mac, also released today, features an iTunes-like device list that shows your iPhone. Again, like choosing an iTunes playlist, users can choose which Bento databases to sync between the iPhone and desktop versions. And it’s a two-way sync, so one application will update the other.

Bento for iPhone integrates with iPhone data the same way as the desktop version does. The iPhone version will access contacts, Safari, phone dialing, Mail and Google Maps. The application also comes with 25 pre-designed templates, allowing users to get started quickly.

Bento for iPhone is available from the App Store for $4.99. Bento 2.0v4 with support for the iPhone app is available as a free update from the company’s Web site.